Three Fabulous Writing Tips I’ve Received
1. Write what you love. Writing is a lonely industry, and therefore, one full of second-guessing and self-doubt. If we only focus on the end result—that finished novel, that stellar agent, that juicy contract,—we’ll spend most of our time dissatisfied. So whatever WIP you’re doing, keep a WIP that is just for you. Write something that makes you happy, or want to wake up at 5 a.m., or laugh out loud. This will likely be your best work. But even if not, you will have written what satisfies, and that is the heart of writing.
2. Expect rejection. I watched a documentary on teenagers from around the U.S. who won a JIMMY award (a musical-dance-theatre award), and who spent a week traveling around New York City, preparing to perform on Broadway, and competing for the number one male or female teen actor/singer in the U.S. What hit me was this: one of adult judges said that for the many kids who didn’t make the three rounds of cuts for the final award, he was happy for them. Because, he said, they had chosen a profession mostly made up of rejection and it was good that they learned that now. That’s writing. And if we accept this fact, we can stop focusing on it and put our energy toward writing an absolutely fabulous book.
3. Positively use negative feedback. One of the challenges of writing is that as you become better, you see more to improve. It’s the Flaws in the Furniture principle—when you buy a new couch you suddenly see the need for new drapes, and prettier lamps, and brighter paint color, and on and on. So it’s first wise to look at critiques or feedback with a positive view—how is this improving my manuscript, how is this helping me become a better writer—even when it’s painful to read. You’re learning to see the flaws and to know better how to fix them. At one point, I wanted to re-edit and refresh Create a Powerful Life Plan, one of my self-published books. It had sold well for ten years, so at first I was tempted to simply do a cursory edit and re-release it. Thankfully, I hired a professional editor and used her suggestions to tighten and update my writing as well as the look, feel, and tone of the book. Same great message, incredible difference in presentation. Critiques and feedback are part of a writer’s way of life—find the beauty in it early and it will bless your life and writing for years to come.
Try one of these pieces of advice and hopefully it will be as helpful to you as it has been to me!
by Connie E. Sokol
Do you desire a more Christ-centered Easter?
You’ll experience a more fulfilling Easter season with this collection of inspirational thoughts on trying to become more like the Savior. For forty days, enjoy a daily scripture and personal insight on a character trait of Jesus Christ. Learn more of who He was and what He taught.
As you read these daily devotionals, you’ll feel a joyful connection to the character of Jesus Christ, understand how much He is involved in your life, and discover how knowing Him better makes your life better, too.
Purchase
~Connie donates 100% of the profits from her books to charity~
Praise
"Connie Sokol, the queen of simple yet effective, has done it again. What a great resource for quick, daily things that we can do to draw closer to the Savior. This easily fits into our busy lives, reminding us of what matters most."
~Peggy Urry, President-elect, American Night Writers Association
“I LOVED this book! Connie brings these scriptures home with real, everyday moments. I can savor these bite-size gems throughout my busy day with little ones. The teachings are powerful, and her added insights brought them home for me in a new way."
~Amy Chandler, Founder My Story Matters
“Connie Sokol’s new book, “40 Days with the Savior”, is just the little push I needed to feel the Savior’s presence in my daily life. Using personal stories, scriptural accounts, and meaningful insights, she helps readers draws closer to Jesus Christ and become a more Christ-centered person. I loved her daily nuggets of wisdom, with titles like, “He Did the Right Thing” and “He Gently Corrects”, to prompt a change of behavior. My Easter will be more meaningful this year!”
~Jodi Marie Robinson, Author of “Women of Virtue” and “A Royal Guardian”
“Connie Sokol has thoughtfully shared fresh insights to well know scriptural phrases. The simple meditations in 40 Days with the Savior are enlightening and empowering. This is an easy way to draw closer to Jesus Christ throughout the Easter season and during the rest of the year. After reading this book I feel my burdens are lighter.”
~Margaret Turley, Author of Save the Child, Administrator Writers Unite to Fight Cancer
Connie Sokol is a mother of seven, and a sought after national and local speaker. She is a monthly contributor on KSL TV’s “Studio 5” and regular blogger for KSL’s "Motherhood Matters" blog. She is a former TV and radio host for Bonneville Communications, and columnist for Deseret News and Utah Valley Magazine. Mrs. Sokol is the author of several books including the award-nominated romance Caribbean Crossroads, Faithful, Fit & Fabulous, Life is Too Short for One Hair Color Series, and Motherhood Matters as well as talk CDs and podcasts. Mrs. Sokol marinates in time spent with her family and eating decadent treats.
Blog Tour Giveaway
$25 Amazon Gift Card
Ends 3/31/13
Open only to those who can legally enter, receive and use an Amazon.com Gift Code. Winning Entry will be verified prior to prize being awarded. No purchase necessary. You must be 18 or older to enter or have your parent enter for you. The winner will be chosen by rafflecopter and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Rafflecopter or any other entity unless otherwise specified. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. Giveaway was organized by Kathy from I Am A Reader, Not A Writer http://iamareader.com and sponsored by the author. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.
a Rafflecopter giveaway
No comments:
Post a Comment